5.9
Where can I stream Ballad of a Small Player legally?
Ballad of a Small Player is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Ballad of a Small Player fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline6
- Spectacle5
Heart
Romantic and melancholic
- Romance7
- Melancholy7
- Pathos6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
World
Everyday modern life, games, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion9
- Dialogue Centrality6
- Novelty6
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and characters
- Acting9
- Direction8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography9
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Ballad of a Small Player is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowRomantic and melancholic
Emotionally, it's romantic and melancholic.
All heart traits
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics2Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, games, and the mind
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, games, and the mind. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Gaming9Video games and game culture.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and characters
The performances, direction, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue8Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography9Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality6Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want fast pacing
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Amid the glittering casinos of Macau, a gambler running from his past—and his debts—becomes fascinated by an enigmatic woman at the baccarat table.
High-Stakes Casino DramaNeo-Noir RomancePsychological ObsessionMacau AtmosphereDebt & DesperationEnigmatic Female LeadSlow-Burn TensionVisual Luxury vs. Moral DecayAddiction Narrative
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Ballad of a Small Player
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Ballad of a Small Player worth watching?
51
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 52/100 (IMDb 5.9, Rotten Tomatoes 49%, and Metacritic 46). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Ballad of a Small Player rated?
RViolenceDrug useStrong languageSexual content
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, drug use, strong language, and sexual content.
How long is Ballad of a Small Player?
1 h 41 min
Ballad of a Small Player runs 1 h 41 min.
Is Ballad of a Small Player based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Ballad of a Small Player?
Critics48
Audiences55
Yes. Critics average 48 and audiences 55 out of 100, so both groups see Ballad of a Small Player much the same way.
What language is Ballad of a Small Player in?
EnglishcnChinese
It was made in English, with some cn, Chinese. Produced in Germany, United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Ballad of a Small Player?
131
+117
+117GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Ballad of a Small Player in 131 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.